Minute's silence to be observed before Japan v Scotland

Fans and players will observe a minute's silence at Japan's Pool A decider against Scotland tonight to mark the destruction and loss of life wrought by Typhoon Hagibis.

World Rugby on Sunday morning confirmed the blockbuster final pool fixture would go ahead at Yokohama International Stadium and chairman Sir Bill Beaumont later announced a minute's silence would be observed at all games played today: Tonga vs USA, Wales vs Uruguay and Japan vs Scotland.

"On behalf of World Rugby, our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone in Japan at this difficult time," Beaumont said.

"Japan has proven to be the warmest, the best of Rugby World Cup hosts. We stand together with you in solidarity.

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"Such devastation and threat to human life places everything into stark perspective and, while we have been doing everything we can to ensure Rugby World Cup 2019 matches take place as scheduled, the bigger picture of wellbeing and safety is far more important.

"As a reflection of the global rugby family’s solidarity with the people of Japan and all those impacted by the typhoon, we will observe a moment’s silence at all of today’s matches."

Game on: After acrimony and legal threats, Scotland will have their fate in their own hands.Credit:Getty Images

World Rugby confirmed fans would also be welcome at the match despite earlier speculation it could be closed to broadcasters only, but officials asked for patience after catering operations were affected by the typhoon. It is scheduled for 9.45pm AEDT at Yokohama Stadium.

The news was a major relief for tournament organisers and fans, and comes after a tense few days of posturing from both sides. Scotland, which face elimination from the pool stages, raised the prospect of legal action after World Rugby ruled out rescheduling the game.

After Ireland beat Samoa in a seven-try blitz in Fukuoka to top the pool, the loser of Sunday's game will exit the tournament. Japan have never made a quarter-final, while Scotland have exited at the pool stage only once before since the first World Cup was held in 1987.

A statement from tournament organisers said transport operations should progressively return to normal throughout the day but fans should check travel services and arrive earlier than planned as people could be delayed entering the stadium.

Organisers will also allow fans to bring in their own non-alcoholic beverages but will decant them into cups upon entry.

"As Yokohama International Stadium is located within the engineered flood defences of Yokohama City, there will be significant amounts of water in the surrounding floodplains and river. This is normal and should not alarm fans," Rugby World Cup said in a statement.

Three games have already been cancelled, most recently the Pool B match between Namibia and Canada which was scheduled to be contested on Sunday afternoon in Kamaishi.

"Owing to the level 5 evacuation order remaining operational following Typhoon Hagibis, World Rugby and the Japan 2019 Organising Committee have cancelled today’s Rugby World Cup 2019 Pool B match between Namibia and Canada in Kamaishi on safety grounds," organisers said in a statement.

"There have been landslides and flooding in the vicinity of the stadium and along access roads to the venue following torrential rain throughout the night.

"The safety of all involved in Rugby World Cup 2019 is our primary consideration and fans are advised not to travel to Kamaishi or the venue, which will be closed."

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The Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium was built on the site of schools destroyed by the deadly 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The organising committee's CEO Akira Shimazu added: “We considered every possibility to make this game happen, in the end we had no option but to cancel the match to ensure the safety of the fans, teams, volunteers, and all others involved.

"It was both a difficult and emotional decision to make, however, I feel it’s the right decision."

Typhoon Hagibis, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones to ever hit central Japan, left millions confined indoors and streets deserted as record rains and fierce winds flooded rivers and threatened widespread damage.

The Namibia-Canada match, which had no bearing on the rest of the tournament with both sides out of contention for the quarter-finals, will be recorded as a draw. It is only the third World Cup match to have been cancelled.

Rain or shine: The Cherry Blossoms train in a downpour at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on Saturday.Credit:AP

Two of Saturday's matches, the Pool C decider between England and France and the Pool B match between world champions New Zealand and Italy, were scratched on Thursday when it became clear the typhoon would make landfall in central Honshu.

Organisers later confirmed the Pool C match between the United States and Tonga in Osaka and Wales' final Pool D match against Uruguay in Kumamoto would go ahead as scheduled on Sunday.

Ticket holders to all cancelled matches will be entitled to a full face-value refund.